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| Homeowner Topic |
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Homeowners located in highly seismic areas can be proactive in their preparation
for surviving a major earthquake. The measures available to homeowners are listed
below under three main categories. Essentially, the concept behind the first two
groups of recommendations is to "tie" the building together and provide strengthening
to prevent sliding, toppling, or movement of the structure or its contents.
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- Replace an unreinforced masonry chimney with a wood-frame chimney with a metal flue.
- Install anchor bolts to secure the walls to the foundation.
- Brace cripple walls with plywood sheathing. Cripple walls are more likely to be found in homes with a crawl space below the ground floor.
- Build a "safe room" in the house. See the Specialty Topics section for further information.
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| Building Contents |
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- Brace water heaters to wall studs.
- Brace tall standing furniture to wall studs.
- Brace wall hung items to studs and close off hanging hooks to prevent slippage.
- Install guards on open selves to prevent items from falling.
- Install adhesive-backed velcro straps to anchor office equipment, computers, televisions and other objects on flat surfaces.
- Install positive-catching latches on cabinet doors to prevent the contents from falling out.
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| Earthquake Preparedness Supplies |
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- Emergency, non-perishable food and water supplies to last at least 3 days
- Flashlights with extra batteries for each family member
- First aid kit
- Radio with extra batteries
- Fire extinguishers
- Change of clothing
- Cash
- Tools to turn off household utilities
- All purpose utility knife and tool
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